Past membership in odious organizations may not be relevant in Judge Alito's case, but it cuts both ways, so the next time the Republicans remind the Democrats once again that Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) used to belong to the Ku Klux Klan (which he acknowledges and has apologized and made amends for time and time again), we can then point to Judge Alito's membership in CAP.

The discourse abounds with just observation, applicable to all ranks of men; and, if properly attended to by that infatuated emperor, might have prevented the perpetration of those acts of cruelty, which, with his other extravagancies, have rendered his name odious to posterity.

Others were tories, and adherents to the old kingly rule; some of whom took refuge within the British lines, joined the royal bands of refugees, a name odious to the American ear, and occasionally returned to harass their ancient neighbors.